Amid the three-ring circus that was Team Leopard-Trek’s launch last night, it’s easy to forget that there are other ProTeam outfits busy finalising their plans for 2011, but Team Sky have this afternoon given a timely reminder of that with the surprise signing of German national champion Christian Knees.
Why a surprise? Well, when we met with the British team's management duo of Dave Brailsford and Sean Yates back in November, we were left in no doubt that its recruitment for the coming season had been concluded, but as in any sport, things are never quite as cut and dried for that and there’s always room for an opportunistic swoop should circumstances change, which is what’s happened here.
Knees, who previously rode with the now defunct Milram team, was due to ride for the Australian Pegasus Sports team, but after his new employers failed to secure a Professional Continental licence for the coming year, having previously been refused a ProTeam licence from the UCI, the German, like his would-be team mates, was deemed to have been released from his contract and became a free agent.
The 29-year-old has won back-to-back German national championships, and in his native country has also won the Rund am Köln and the GC in the Bayern Rundfahrt. Outside Germany, he’s proven himself to be a capable domestique in both the Tour de France, where he has also claimed several top-ten stage finishes, and the Giro d’Italia.
Commenting on the signing, Brailsford said: "Christian is a super strong all-rounder who has had some terrific results, but I still don't think we have seen the best of him yet and hopefully we can help him fulfil his massive potential at Team Sky.
"His personality is one that will fit well into the team and we are delighted to have such an experienced rider on board. He has a lot of capabilities in a lot of areas and will increase the depth of ability we have here. It's exciting to have secured his services."
worth reading the full story in the Sheffield Star to be remided of the phrase: “peddled like billy-o”. Hope to hear this being used on team bus...
Most cycling enthusiasts only drive because they have to, and if they were able to get around without ever needing a car, would sell it and live...
Hmmm - robotic squirrels. I can't see any problem with them inevitably turning against their creators....
I had been disappointed not to find Giro highlights on Quest, just seen an ad for it on DMax. Happy now.
What's that crap on the left, been in auckland. Really makes those white lines and foldable plastic wands look like a 3 year thought of the idea
She will not get many votes for her pledges or policies. Most of the votes will be simply because she wears a blue rosette. The bollocks she spouts...
Replies much appreciated.
You mean like this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkCpA91NqBw
Thanks to locals for reviews. And obviously the people who got this through!...
Welcome, hope it works!